Long time... No blog.

**I started this blog on December 18, 2006, as it is so dated**

A friend of mind recently got all sentimental on me and reminded me how important friendships are. I turn 30 next week. "...30 next week." How odd does that sound? At this point in my life, I realize more and more each day how much it is a blessing to be alive...and to have the friends that I have. There are many people in this world who don't make it to 30. I have no complaints...but, unfortnately, few regrets. My friends get me through the days...most times, unknowingly. I can think about the relationships...(life long friendships...) I have formed over the past 10, 5 and even 2 years and it makes me happy to know I have such good people in my life. I find myself looking forward to our next outings...and even the times where I can run to their desks to vent..beacause, even if they don't care or are tired of hearing me whine...they still listen as if they do care. :) And there are also the times when they support the things I do, and even the things members of my family do by showing up to events and what not. It's unreal. There are a lot of folks in this world who don't have any people they can truly call friends...and barely acquaintances. I am one of the blessed few that can honestly say, "I have friends." These are the folks who would go out of their way for you...do things for you when they are tired...or make exceptions to their plans... Some times, to me, it seems surreal. But, at the end of the day, I know what's up.

So, cheers to you my dear friends... You all know who you are. Thank you som much for being such an important and necessary part of my life. Here's to my serenity as made possible through my relationships!


Here are a few pictures of me and my FRIENDS:

~ Me and one of my "most favorite people in the world," Nick. (The friend who inspired this blog.)
~Sarah, one of my longest and dearest friends with whom I didn't go to school.
~Kim, although I have only known her for a short period of time...it seems like it's been a life time.

((I have more pictures to add! For some reason, now that I am editing it 2 weeks later, I can't add them...but when I do it will include, Julie, Peter and of course, Leonard!))

It's been 2 years...

...since Leonard and I started dating. What a marvelously, wonderful 2 years it has been! I have never been happier in my life. I know in my heart of hearts that I am going to spend the rest of my life with this man! How grand it is to be so certain of something...

We celebrated, once again, in a cabin in Hocking Hills. Appropriately, it is named "The Anniversary" cabin. We were there for our 6 "monthiversary" and returned for this milestone. I didn't want the weekend to end. It was totally about "us." We did nothing but relax and enjoy each other's company...cuddling, endulging in a varitey of alcholic bevearges, hanging out in the hot tub, watching movies...and even got to watch OSU beat Michigan!

And the best gift yet...was a card. I nearly cried when I read it. It was so unbelieveably sincere and I could tell that he put his heart into choosing it and composing the genuine message inside. It was perfect. (Almost better than getting a ring... LOL)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

When I was younger we rarely celebrated Halloween. And it really wasn't like it was something we weren't allowed to do...more like something we just didn't do. We always participated in the school costume parades and on rarest of occasions, we would pass out candy... But we NEVER went trick or treating. At some point in my childhood I used to think it was because Halloween was "evil"... As I got a little older that theory didn't make any sense to me...seeing that we would still dress up for school...and never seemed to miss "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!" That's when I figured the trick-or-treat thing was just our parents being overprotective (as usual...)

By the time I reached my teens, however, I started to wonder whether or not it was an "evil" thing to celebrate. A lot of that was brought on by my highly religious grandmother, and my uncertainty about my own spirituality. Now that I am an adult, I have come to believe that there is nothing wrong with it...as long as I'm not worshiping the devil or anything...I'm free to do what I please in terms of acknowledging the day.

I recently received and article from About.com, (to where I have a subscription to "About Catholicsim...",) that gave the Catholic point of view of Halloween. Without pasting in the entire article, it basically reinforced my new found belief. The day of Halloween was actually determined by a Roman Catholic Pope in association with All Saints Day, November 1, 2006. All Saints Day is a Catholic Feast day in which we celebrate those who have died. The eve before the celebration was dubbed "All Hallowe'en." During the 15th century in the days of the Black Death, people started wearing costumes...to remind them of the own mortality. Americans later added in "trick-or-treating."

http://catholicism.about.com/cs/holidays/a/halloween02.htm

Needless to say, I celebrated to the fullest this year...as the "Bride of 'White Trash Dracula'"! :)

BUSY

I have been unbelieveably busy lately. But I really can't complain. I don't mind being busy. After all, Merriam-Webster defines busy as "engaged in action." So, it means I have something to do...and I'm not bored. At this point, I'm not too busy that I'm losing my mind, but busy enough to be classified as such. Presently, I am taking 3 classes at school, working full-time...and quite some over time, planning my high school class reunion (pretty much on my own) and planning my boyfriend's birthday bash. The only thing I wouldn't possibly mind adding is a choreography gig... At that point, I would probably loose my mind. LOL So, I okay with it. Just really haven't had the time to write any blogs worth reading...............

My Baby Brother...

~ Ages 15 and 3
~(2 vs. 18) ...isn't a baby anymore. My brother, Brandon, turned 18 yesterday. 18! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday he was attached to my hip. I'll never forget the day he was born. I was almost 12 years old and had just started 6th grade. My sister (nearly 13/7th grade) and I got into a fight with a couple of girls on the way home from school. Turns out Candace owed one of the chicks 75 cents! Can you believe that? 75 cents and they're ready to kick our asses! Well, as we believed was the right thing to do...and actually sensed some urgency to get home...we kept walking while the girls (and what seemed like half the school) followed us. Long story short...we essentially got our butts beat, because we didn't fight back. The girl who Candace owed the money to got a good lick in and put a knot on her head...I came away without a scratch (the other girl who was trying to jump on my back was smaller than me and I easily threw her off a few times.) At the time, our walk was about 25 minutes from the house...the fight lasted anywhere from 10-15 minutes. The last 10 minutes we were sprinting home crying and ticked off, only to get home and find out that we were locked out of the house {we didn't have keys at the time} and a note telling us to go to our grandmother's who lived across the street (literally.) As were heading over, our neighbors told us that our mother's water broke at a bus stop downtown and that we were supposed to go to our grandmother's. We get there, Candace all banged up...and we had to tell our aunts, uncle, and grandmother the story...who were very disappointed because we didn't fight back. That same sentiment was shared by our father when he arrived a few hours later... He yelled at us unlike anything I could ever remember...(stressed maybe??) before he even told us what was going on with Mom. Her water broke around 2pm on Friday, September 16th. She ended up having some complications and delivered Brandon around 2am on September 17th by caesarian... He was 1 month premature, weighing in at only 4lbs.

From the time he was born until I left the house at 18 (he was 6) we were inseparable. I literally was this kid's 2nd Mom. I took care of him all the time...even Candace hardly participated in "babysitting." When I left the house, I know it was hard on him, but I didn't realize it until he was much older. Once he got into high school I tried my hardest to participate more in his life...even if that meant being his chauffeur at times... It was worth it. I'd do anything for that kid within my means. He's my heart. Happy Birthday, Brandon!


~ On his 18th birthday.

Old Friends

"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" ~ Stand By Me (1986)

Last night I went to dinner with some old friends. These were the friends I made in 6th grade (one of them even in 5th.) These were the friends that you would write notes to every night, even though you would see them the next day and talk to them all day long anyway. These were the friends, that in those notes you would write: "Friends 4ever"...and if you were us: "Friends Forever Forget this and you die!" Those were the days. Life was simple, yet we were in a hurry to grow up. Grow up and grow apart, apparently.

Last night was great. I hadn't seen the girl who I grew to call my "best friend" in about 15 years. I found her on classmates last year. Another girl, I had seen after she mailed a letter to my parents house with her married name on the return address...about 8 years ago. The last I had made contact with after 9/11 and I was a on big kick to find everyone who ever meant anything to me...lucky for me...the friend is a he and his last name remained the same. :) I've hung out with him about once a year since 2002 and within the last year or so have seen him from time to time as we work out at the same gym. :) My "best friend" said, "You know, although we all look different, we all look the same." It was too funny, yet so true. All of our personalities were the same...mannerisms while speaking unchanged...only time had passed. It was almost like we picked up where we left off. Such a good feeling.

At this point, I am determined to keep in touch with them and have had them all send me their contact information so I can distribute. And I believe it will happen. I actually have been successful in staying in very good touch with 2 of my friends I made in that era...one from 5th grade, Annette, (who coincidentally later becomes my sister-in-law) and another when I was 6th...my genuine friend, Peter. So, I know it can be done...

The quote above is one of my favorites, and up until recently, I believed it was a 100% true. I still believe there is a lot of truth in it, but I have been fortunate to find a group of friends, whose friendships are comparable to those of the ones I had when I was 12. There's nothing like it. I think it helps keep us young and sane.

Life

I'm writing because I realize it's been nearly a month since I've written last. I really don't have anything to say. At this point, life is what I'm making it and I am content. I'm actually more than content... I'm pretty happy. I have an AMAZING boyfriend, a family who LOVES me genuinely and everyone gets along, FANTASTIC friends, no enemies (that I know of) and I'm finally getting my life together.

There are only a couple things at this point that would make my life complete...and hopefully those things will come to pass within the next couple of years, GOD WILLING.

"You Trippin'"

Went out last Friday night with my boyfriend and a few of our friends, in addition to his ex-roommate and the folks he was hanging with that night. We actually had a blast. I absolutely love going out and "shaking my bottom," (as one of my friends so eloquently puts it.) But, shortly before we left, right after I closed out my tab and was heading back to my man, I ran into a very rude dude...

CONVERSATION:

Dude: "So what are you doing dancing all over that white boy?"
Me: "...Because he's my boyfriend." (And I smile...)
Dude: "You trippin'."
Me: "Oh, I don't discriminate... I was already married to a black man..." (And I smiled again...)
Dude: "You trippin'."

At that point I walked away...

Obviously, the "rude dude" was a black man. AND obviously jealous because I wasn't dancing "all over him..." But, I couldn't stop thinking about it and was noticeably bothered. And not really sure why? For as ignorant as it was...it's not like it hadn't happened before. I've learned to deal with it...or so I thought.

Needless to say, we all know how I feel about that issue. No need to rehash. But, it was kind of coincidental, as one of my cousins had just blogged about identity and society's views of black and white and how races mix, rather the issues and/or situations that come of that "mixing"...Etc.

Long story short, I love my man! I wouldn't care if he was green. I'd still love him. Love him, love him, love him.

~This was taken a little after I was seen "dancing all over" my man... ;)~

Morning Sky

I've always been fond of sunrises and sunsets. They all seem to have pretty unique colors and their hues. It always is interesting to me how different the sky looks when you are in different parts of the country...or even the world. And when it comes down to it...it's all the same sky. This morning when I let Midnight (my dog) out I caught a sight of one of the most beautiful skys I have seen in a while. I immediately ran in the house and got my camera and ended up wasting about 10 minutes taking pictures of it. Such a great way to start the day! What do you think?

TEDDY

****This post was inspired by "Art Dog's Life" post entitled "dear teddy*"***

As instructed in "dear teddy*," I gave my teddy bear a hug from dogfaeriex5. :) And as the above mentions, I was inspired to take a photo of him and tell his story.

My teddy bear's name is Teddy. (Obviously, not very original for a 5 year-old.) Nonetheless, Teddy was in fact my second teddy bear and not my first. The first I had when I was 4 year's old. I used to carry him around with me everywhere...and don't even remember whether or not he even had a name. But, he was a smaller bear, that would just fit in my 4 year-old arms. At that time, we were living in a complex of apartments in Westerville (as I was told.) I remember the complex vividly...how green everything was, (the grounds were maintained well,) and we all had patios enclosed by wood privacy fences. In the days when it was safe to run around without too much parental supervision we literally would bounce around from one apartment to another and play in the yard. There were so many of us kids that everyone's parents trusted the others to keep and eye and they always knew where we were. Our ages ranged from 3 - 12. One such kid, (I believe his name was Mikey,) was much older than I and we considered him the neighborhood bully. Not recalling clearly the circumstances that led up to the horrific ordeal, but Mikey and one of his friends somehow got a hold of my teddy bear and ripped him into pieces. Literally. I remember it like it was yesterday. They took him by each arm and just pulled... I can still see his stuffing flying everywhere. What a traumatic experience for a 4 year-old! I cried and cried for days... I was devastated. When I finally got my bearings I remember asking my parents for a new bear. And not just any bear, but "A GREAT, BIG, GIANT TEDDY BEAR." I would imagine that I got obnoxious about it at some point, and even eventually asked Santa for it. (It was summer when the other bear was destroyed...and we actually even moved that fall before my sister started kindergarten.) But, I was persistent. And too my grand surprise Christmas morning, I awoke to exactly what I had been wishing for over the past months... "A GREAT, BIG, GIANT TEDDY BEAR!" At the time, I was 4 days shy of 5 and he was nearly as big as I was when standing (I was only a head taller than he...)

Over the years, I took him very few places around other kids, in fear of something else happening. But, on most family outings to Alum Creek or to my grandmother's, there Teddy was in tow. My mother being as paranoid as she was about us bringing ticks back from the park would always wash him in the washer...and eventually he became flat, yet with very little wear. My brother was born when I was 12 and I remember us giving him a bunch of our stuffed animals (as loners), somehow, Teddy managed to stay on my bed... Shortly after I moved out when I was 18, my mother took it upon herself to restuff him as a surprise and even made him an outfit (of a pair of my little brother's old short...and a vest made by hand.) For the past 12 years, he's been traveling with me through my "adult" life... Always in whatever room I deemed my office, with my other stuffed animals (reacquired from my brother as he got older.) There he sits to this day beside my computer desk, amongst the others and still the biggest of them all...my "GREAT, BIG, GIANT TEDDY BEAR."

Eighteen

So my boyfriend's sister turned 18 on the 1st of August. My little brother will be 18 on the 17 of September. It's amazing how time flies. I remember turning 18 and thinking of all the stuff I could do because I was 18, but the stuff I really wanted to do I couldn't do until I was 21. Unlike my brother, I was 18 most of my senior year of high school... And Leo's sister will be 18 the entire year. Being 18 while you are still in school is the same as being 17. Didn't mean a thing to me. Only that I didn't have to take Driver's Ed to get my license...

But, did you know you can scan alcohol (if you work on a cash register) when you are 18? (I thought you had to be 21.) Some decent (non-fast food) jobs don't even let you work until you're 18. 18 is the legal age to vote...and enlist. So you are old enough to die for your country, but you can't get a drink............... In France, there really isn't a drinking age... You can pretty much drink whenever you want, especially in private. Publically, however, the legal purchase age is 16. (Although when I was there, you could order a happy meal with a beer...) In the U.K. the age is 18. Why is that such a universal number for becoming an adult? Who dictated that?

Alas, I'm still stuck on the time flying part, though. When I was 18, my little brother was 6. 6! So yeah, 12 years have gone by and the only thing I have to show for it is more responsibility and more bills. Turning 18 didn't really change my life. Living on my own did.

"The Secret Relationship"

Every Sunday from 8am - 10am they have a show on the local "Contemporary Urban" station here called "Express Yourself." This show has me laughing and cursing at the same time every week and ends up leaving me even more aggravated with society than I usually already was. (Luckily, I only catch it on my way to mass and am able to put my mind at ease once I get there.) The topics are some of the oddest things I have ever heard and the people who call in...at least 70% of them are surviving on street smarts alone. Last week's topic was "The Secret Relationship of the Black Woman and a White Woman"...as if to suggest that there is something unknown going on that could be the only explanation why the two would ever be friends. 99% of the callers agreed and basically said that there is a hidden agenda in any relationship of the sort and that the other is using the other to get what the other has. Most of the callers even believed that such a relationship isn’t genuine. WTF??? That’s insane. Needless to say, I had to turn the crap off because it was bothering me so much. At that point I thought, “You mean to tell me that ALL of the relationships I have ever had with white people aren’t real???” Come on, now…… It was disturbing to realize that there are SO MANY ignorant people out there, (even in our own city,) who just have no clue. None of those folks had probably EVER had any friends of the opposite race. But, I, on the contrary, have had many. 75% of my friends are white… (But according to the callers, those relationships aren’t real…) For as much as I was peeved, I can’t knock them for their ignorance. If anything, their only fault was that they were speaking on an issue they knew nothing about. (How could they say with all certainty that (basically) white people and black people cannot truly be friends, when they had never had a friendship of the like?)

I was totally disgusted. And as disgusted as I was, I did not have the energy to call in (nor thought it was worth my time) to bring a different perspective into the mix.

I actually felt sorry for them, amidst my frustration, because they have such a narrow minded view of the world. I think having relationships with people from various races and backgrounds has made me the open-minded person I am today. As I tell most people, “Call me colorblind.” If you are cool, you’re cool… If you’re not, you’re not. It’s that simple. I don’t care what you look like.

It’s so very unfortunate.

Cheers to all of my friends for recognizing that our differences are what make us such great companions!

The "Monthiversary..."

I now know (for a fact) that I am not the only one in the world who celebrates or acknowledges the "monthiversary." I did a search on google and it came up with 13,100, of which I would imagine more than half of those instances are contained in blogs. I wonder if people realize that monthiversary isn't even a word...(not to my surprise, but I looked it up on Merriam-Webster Online) It doesn't even show up on Wikipedia's site. Too funny. Yet, thousands of us continue to use this phrase throughout our lives. I actually did find an entry on Urban Dictionary.com, (a site that allows you to add your own words,) defining it as follows :

Monthiversary:

Similar to anniversary, but occuring every month. For people who are
overzealous about a new relationship.

MONTHIVERSARY
http://www.urbandictionary.com/

Another thing that most people don't realize is that no one should even have to use the word "monthiversary." I'm sure most assume that it would be incorrect to use anniversary to represent something that reoccurs on a monthly basis, based on is etymology: (Middle English anniversarie, from Medieval Latin anniversarium, from Latin, neuter of anniversarius returning annually, from annus year + versus, past participle of vertere to turn.

But according to Merriam-Webster's definition of anniversary:

1 : the annual recurrence of a date marking a notable event; broadly : a date that follows such an event by a specified period of time measured in units other than years

How about that????

Well, I like the definition from the Urban Dictionary for the most part...less the "new" relationship part. When I was married to my ex-husband we acknowledged every monthiversary (from the time we met) until our separation...8 years later.

Personally, I think it's corny... But at the same time, I appreciate the value of the phrase. These days folks don't stay together very long, and every moment is precious. I simply love recognizing the time spent being in love.

Well the point of all this crap was to explain why I would make a mention of the fact that yesterday was my and Leonard's 1 year and 8 monthiversary. :) It's going to be 2 years before we know it! It honestly doesn't even seem like it's been that long. You know what they say, "Time files when you having fun!"

I geuninely am the happiest I've ever been in my adult life and I look forward to celebrating many many more turning of the months and the years with him...

A bunny...

This bunny was in my back yard a few nights ago... I was out there without my dog and it did not move a "hare." I decided to run in the house and take a picture of it to see if it would come out. Obviously not the best quality, but I wanted to capture it because I thought it odd for it to stay so long without running away.

I used to love rabbits when I was younger...and got caught up in the Beatrix Potter stories of Peter Rabbit for a time. I would love to visit the Lake District in England some day where she retired and was the setting for most of her stories.

It made me feel young again for a split second to stand and stare at the rabbit, who truly had a "cotton tail."

"She's on her 'thing'..."

...was the phrase used by my boyfriend's cousin to convey that his girlfriend was on her period. I just had to chuckle to myself. And it wasn't necessarily because he said it, but it was the way he said it and the fact he ended up clarifying himself after. They both originally came over together and they realized they forgot something...but he came back without her. So the point was to explain that she wasn't coming over because she didn't feel well, was bloated and just believed she looked like crap, etc. Cousin then added, "I understand she doesn't feel well. I just don't want to deal with it, so I told her to stay home." I remember thinking to myself... "She needs to get over it. It's nothing new. Life continues..."

Well, here I am, 2 days later...on my "thing." And I feel like crap. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still look good... :) After work yesterday, Leonard and I got in a screaming match...basically had a classic "Nothing Fight" (as Dane Cook would say.) And today I just want to go home and go to bed. And I'm hungry....

Thought this was appropriate:

Not too good with "see ya laters"...

So my sister and her kids went back to Alaska yesterday after being here for a month. To my surprise, (actually not total,) I didn't cry! Things were so hectic when they were here that, (awful to say but--) I was kind of ready for them to go back home. Normally, the routine is, we get to the airport, take pictures and then we wait for them to get through screening...and by the time I get to my car I'm teary-eyed and then damn near bahling before I even get out on the street. Yesterday... Nothing.

UNTIL - I looked at the pictures I took of my sister and her children waving, and I got a little sad. And after speaking with my sister today, I kind of miss her. Weird huh? Oh, well... It was time.

Until next visit...

Man, How Time Flies...

So, my baby brother graduated from high school on the 8th of June. We had his graduation party yesterday. Brandon is the last of the 4 of us siblings to graduate from high school...and he has grown to be quite the young man. He will attend Capital University, joining their Music Conservatory, in the fall with scholarships for music. He is an amazing singer and songwriter and I have no doubts that he will be doing something with his music in the future.

Yesterday at the party, the 4 of us took a picture in front of my parents' house. "Man, how time flies..." I have a picture that we took in 1992 and I compared them. Of course, we ar not standing in the same places, but we are perfectly reversed. Instead of Tanina and I being on the left side (in 2006 as we are in 1992) we are on the right. I could have sworn I had some software that would reverse them for me, but I can't find it right now...so I did the split before and after shot.

So Brandon (17) is entering his Freshman year of college, Tanina (19) will be a junior at the University of Kentucky, Candace (30) is married with 2 kids and living in Alaska, and I (29) divorced, yet happily partnered with a dog and no kids.

Time really has flown by...

BEFORE & AFTERS

Georgia July 2005 vs. May 2006

So, as mentioned once before, one of my goals for this year was to loose some weight. Well, I'm happy to report that I have been fairly successful at it! In July of 2005 I was pushing 185 lbs, easily. I was not watching what I ate...which meant eating out for lunch nearly every day, and for dinner about twice a week. Not to mention that I only made it to the gym about once a week...if that. While Leonard was going to school, he was too tired/busy to workout, so I used that as my excuse as well. It was somewhat logical as I don't have a car and so we both use his... At that point, it was unbelievably inconvenient to do things without him. In September of 2005, my dear friend, Annette, asked me to audition for a play in which she had the lead. I did, and got the part... We did publicity shots in November...at that point I was about 181. After seeing the shots I knew I absolutely had to do something to avoid looking even bigger on stage come February. (Not to mention a period of reflection on photos from our annual trip to GA in July of 2005... I was also motivated by the possibility of not to having "fat Georgia pictures" this time.) At that time, I started working out more...doing Taebo and other home fitness DVD's, as we still were barely going to the gym. Shortly there after was the cast Christmas Party...I took a picture with Annette then and I could tell I was starting to loose, but still not quite where I wanted to be.

Cast Christmas Party 12/2005 vs. @ Dave & Buster's 5/2006

By February I was "good enough" to be on stage at 171 lbs. I had lost about 10 lbs...and was content, but not even close to thinking I was done.... So I continued doing Taebo and other stuff at home and we were back into the gym because Leonard graduated in January...at which time I started doing about 10-15 min. of cardio 3 times a week. Another, very important, change we made was we started bringing our lunch to work, instead of buying out...also had more grocery food at home. By April 2006 we got on a Lean Cuisine kick and eat those for lunch every day...rarely eat one over 300 calories. In May I started eating something in the morning as "breakfast" every day, eating snacks, and taking vitamins and supplements in addition to increasing my cardio workouts to 20-25 minutes from about 12-15 minutes. Now I am 158 lbs. :D We leave for Georgia on Friday and I will NOT have any "fat" pictures!

My next goal... To get into a bikini before the summer is over.

Leonard and I were discussing the key to weight loss on the way back from the gym yesterday. And we decided we could write a book. It would be 2 pages. One page would read, "Don't eat like a pig." The second, "Move." THE END. It's that simple. Watching how many calories you put in versus how many you expend... If you are active and exercise regularly, you can eat fairly moderately. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle...you shouldn't be eating too much. Period.

Georgia July 2005 vs. May 2006

The Happy Hour Crew...

From Left to Right (top row) Leonard, Eric, Judy, Kim, Brian (bottom row) Sarah, Me, Julie.

So this is the happy hour crew. Some how, the lot of us from work started going out drinking for "Happy Hour" over 2 years ago,(often times at Brothers in the Arena district.) We've been inseparable since! Any social gathering outside of office hours normally consists of the people shown above (less one or two at times.) This night, Friday the 9th, we all were in attendance for the first time in a long time. (These are the folks I mentioned in my post from the beginning of March.)

Unlikely group of folks, one might think... A little over 20 years of an age difference between the youngest and the oldest of us...and all from different backgrounds. But, the honesty, sincerety and humor shared between this group is unmatched and much needed in the days in which we live. So, let me introduce you to those I can truly call my friends...

Leonard: The youngest member of our crew... Italian, ex-Marine, Indians fan, bookworm/walking encyclopedia, debator, big competitor (especially when playing pool,) somewhat vain...gym rat, thoughtful, and a comedian of sorts. Shortly after our happy hour outings began we started dating. So to that I can add, sexy, more romantic than most would think...and the best thing that has ever happened to me. :) Favorite Drink: Jack & Coke (Dr. Pepper)

(Orignially, we both were/are members of the "Fantastic Four, (FF)" who frequented Applebee's happy hour on Friday nights and later various clubs...before we stumbled across our other companions. The FF also includes Brian and Sarah.)

Eric: The oldest male in our group... Patriots fan, intelligent, considerate, can put more beers away than any of us (despite his slim physique,) subtle flirt, involved in his children's sporting activities, a fisherman (still have yet to go with him,) and all-around good guy. Favorite Drink: (I've only ever seen him drink beer...) Miller Lite/Bud Light

Judy: I believe to be the eldest of us all but does not look it... Michigan Football Fan, Ex-Soldier (Army,) kind-hearted, animal activist/rescuer...DOG LOVER, Watches the Dog Whisperer, motherly, loves good mexican food, vegetarian, helpful & caring, rarely drinks, Favorite Drink: Frozen Strawbery Margarita

Kim: Mother of 23 year-old but one would think they were sisters, Starbucks Addict, can be seen frequenting E-bay and Blogger (ArtDogsLife), QVC & Dog Whisper watcher, Dog lover, sweet, creative (makes really cool art), free-sprited, generous, generaly happy, often says shocking and hilarious things, and probably the most "tell it like it is" people you will ever meet. Real. Favorite Drink: A good, (well-spiced) Bloody Mary

Brian: Father of a 6 year old who shares my birth date, one of the founding members of the FF, the rest would say he is a "tight ass" but he really isn't as cheap as people think...just frugal, self-conscious at times, great sense of humor, into reality TV (especially the Bachelor and Average Joe), and also my landlord :) Favorite Drink: Beer Drinker... Miller Lite.

Sarah: I've worked with Sarah for nearly 10 years now. We were the youngest folks working here...and I needed a friend, also one of the founding members of the FF, single...but presently not loving it, can be a bitch when she wants to be, good confidant, ol' school partier, Survivor Fan, loves to dance...and good hip-hop music, great smile... Favorite Drink: Long Island Ice Tea

Me: I talk about myself enough... Favorite Drink: Jack & Coke (Dr. Pepper), but I'm also a fan of Margaritas

Julie: One of the few "long timers" at the office, nice, athletic [great softball player,] mountain biker, football fan, just like Leonard w/ knowing useless/useful facts, very generous, funny...love her laugh, probably the most "sober" drunk of all us drinkers, responsible, dependable, successful, and joins the others as a Dog Lover Favorite Drink: I usually see her drinking Bud Light...but she's good at mixing up some fruity things I'm sure she drinks!

So, with all these great characteristics in one room... How can there ever be a dull moment??? Most of the best times of my adult life is spent hanging out with this crew.

4 Days Post-Op

So... I got my wisdom teeth out on Thursday...at 7:15 am to be exact. The dentist and his assistant prepped me and then the lady told me, "The next thing you will remember is me waking you up..." How true that was... I woke up not having any control over my mouth and feeling little pain. I kept trying to fall back to sleep and she kept shaking me telling me that I needed to get up. I remember walking out to the car, but don't remember the ride home, nor getting into the house. I do remember Leo trying to give me some apple juice to take some vicodin with...that was not fun. I (we) poured most of it down my shirt and then I slept all day Thursday. Candace and the kids came into town Tuesday night...so while Leo went to work on Friday, they sat with me...but it was pretty much the same story...out like a light. Little swelling as they didn't do much pulling, but cut my teeth along with some bone... And pain is minimal when on vicodin...when I wake up in the morning it's another story. Today was the first day I was out. I went to church and took nothing before I went because I get so damn nauseated taking all that crap on an empty stomach. (I have to take 600mg of Motrin every 6 hours whether I am in pain or not...and by choice have been taking 2 viocdin pills for the pain.) Needless to say, I was hurting SO bad. Unbelieveable dull, throbbing pain. I didn't realize it was that bad because I have been taking everything so religiously... Anyone who says this stuff is nothing, had to have rarely been off the pain meds... But, I got home, ate something and took my pills...then I was out (that was at 11am...I just woke up.) I have to finish a quiz online before Midnight tonight so am choosing to do it now, while I'm still conscious and in not much pain.

Leonard has been WONDERFUL! He totally took control over a lot of things. He has been finishing moving his stuff over, when to the grocery store, mowed the lawn on Thursday while I was sleeping (for the first time,) and literally has been taking care of my every need. He even went and picked up Candace on Thursday night through some horrible Arts Festival traffic... I am truly blessed. I am so glad I get to spend the rest of my life with such a wonderful, helpful, considerate person.

My house has gone through such a comforting transformation over the past week. And while I have been "dead to the world" it has become a lovely home for me, my love and my dog. I have never felt so comfortable in my own pad... :) At this point, it's really nice to look around and see the house filled with "our" stuff. Midnight, my dog, is so happy we are home, for good. He actually has been sitting/sleeping with me during the long days and has been a great comfort to be me. (How many times have I used that word?) All I know is that it feels like a fresh start and it feels so right. I have some work to do on my office, but other than that...it's home sweet home. It's been a great place to go through recovery.

So, yeah...

A dear friend of mine told me that I needed to get to blogging... So here I am. I think it's been over a month since my last post. A lot of times I have to be in the mood to make a post...something has to be weighing on my mind. Lately, I've been so busy that I haven't really had time to sit and think. Last night, I was able to do just that. My beau is in Chicago covering a trial for work, so I have had some time alone. It isn't until times like these that I realize how much we are together. We work together...so we are rarely a part. You know you hear couples say that they're inseparable or always "together," but most of them get about 7.5 hours of the day that someone is at work... We don't. And ya know what? It's okay. You'd think we would welcome this time apart, but it sucks. I wish he were here. I have been able to get some much needed spring cleaning done, so I am glad about that. I can't wait to see his face when he gets back!

RETREAT

Yesterday was our retreat for RCIA. Next Saturday, the 15th during Easter Vigil (held the eve before Easter,) I will officially become a member of the Catholic Community. It is amazing how fast the time has passed. It is amazing how much I have learned in such a short period of time. It is amazing how much I still have yet to learn...

At this point, I feel my Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults experience has been quite rewarding and fulfilling. It has assisted in the filling of the void I had as it relates to spirituality. I'm experiencing Peace.

The retreat basically was a time of reflection on the things we have learned...the things we have experienced...and will continue to experience on our spiritual journey. We went to St. Peter and Paul's Retreat house in Newark, OH. The day was organized very well and centered around Holy Week and what we should expect during Easter Vigil (the time we accept the Rite of Initiation (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.) The members of the RCIA team did an excellent job of explaining all of the symbols we will see during Holy Week and also associated a visual and a song. Additionally, we received a list of scripture passages we could look up on our own time as it correlates with the individual symbols. And then we were given an hour of time to reflect and pray.

After lunch, we walked the Stations of the Cross. What a meaningful experience! The Stations represent a walk with Jesus through the Passion. It was so moving. Each station (there are 14 stations in total) gives a visual depiction of what happened to Jesus from the moment he was condemned to die. Catholics "pray'/"do" the Stations of the Cross to enter into an understanding of the mystery of Jesus' gift of himself to us throug an imaginative and reflective process.

The retreat site was BEAUTIFUL, although it was chilly that day. It was an appropriate way to prepare for our Initiation and allowed me to take time for my soul...

What is a Hero?

So, I jumped on the bandwagon and started a MySpace page... And one of the things to list were your heros. I wasn't quite sure what to say at first... I used to always think of a hero as a fictional character, like Superman or Wonderwoman. Had you asked me when I was 7, that would have been my answer. Honestly, I don't think I would've ever characterized someone I knew as an hero.

Webster's defines hero as:

1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion :

I guess I could say my parents...for I admire them and they have shown great strength to raise us and live as they do. And there definitely are people in my life...and the world who could be characterized as such. Soldiers in Iraq are extremely admirable and courageous.

However, I bolded the points that most stood out as I read. And personally, to me, this clearly is a description of Jesus Christ. It's uncanny how perfectly it fits...and ultimately, that is my answer.

Friends are wonderful...

I have some really good people in my life I can honestly call my friends. There is about 8 or 9 of us from the job who hang out regularly... Some of the best times I've spent in my adult life!

Really good conversation... Contagious laughter... No inhibitions... Just real.

Life is good.

LENT

What a wonderful time of prayer and reflection! We fasted on Ash Wednesday... It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I used prayer and meditation to get me through. We also ended up going to mass at 7pm...and immediately to the grocery store. Oh, the stares we got...(from having ashes on our foreheads.)

We're giving up meat for lent... 40 days. That's a long time. The idea is to create a hole for the Spirit to fill... There's definitely a hole, allright. I just need to work harder on praying. Finding "alone" time and silence isn't as easy as it seems.........................................

Close of February...

Winter has been mild here in Columbus... Can't say the same for the rest of Ohio, though...

The show has come and gone. Opening night, (Feb. 2nd)was full of technical difficulties, attributed to poor stage direction and management prior to curtain. (Too long of a story to divulge...and personally, I'm trying to block it out. lol) The second night was near perfect... (So glad all of my friends and family came that night.) It truly was an experience and I came a way with some good insight into the world of stage theater. One important thing I learned... I don't like acting. I would prefer to be a director, choreographer or even a chorus dancer in a show, before I act again.

I am so pleased with my progress losing weight! I am finally starting to feel that I will look the way I want to this summer. In total I have lost about 11 lbs since the start of my rigorous regimen in December... I initially started with a goal of 15lbs...but realize I can push for more than that.

I can't wait 'til I am at the point to see MUCH difference before and after pictures.

The picture is of me and Leo after we saw Cirque Du Soleil's "Delirium" on the 18th. It was AMAZING! I am determined to see every Cirque show that comes to Columbus...

My goal is to get into a bikini for the first time this summer!

On my way...

Vacation Already...

Me in Jacksonville, 1/18/2006.

In January every year one of the Boards my father is on has their first meeting of the year...usually in New Orleans. Well, shortly after the hurricanes, they decided to move the meeting to Jacksonville, FL. So, here I am...with some down time and writing in my blog.

Really lazy days, I tell ya. We haven't done much of anything except frequent Jacksonville Landing and eat.

I've actually been using the time to relax...and enjoy the sites. I've also been keeping up with my workouts...there is a really nice Fitness Center here in the Omni Hotel. I am actually proud to say I have lost about 7 lbs since actively taking a stand to lose some weight in December.

When I return, I have 4 rehearsals until my show opens and quite of few first of the year projects at work.

I really needed this time...